Gran Canaria (Spain)

The Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve encompasses over 40% of the land surface area of the island and a wide stretch of marine area in the southeast of the island. It includes a series of ecosystems ranging from summits to beaches and marine areas, passing through agricultural valleys of traditional usage, as well as an intricate group of striking ravines and other geological landmarks of great interest, like the great Caldera de Tejeda crater. Among the ecosystems present are the “cardonal-tabaibal” and the Canary Island pine forest. Gran Canaria, located at the center of the archipelago, is known for its great biological diversity. Its geographic isolation, along with its variety of ecological niches for vegetation has fostered the presence of several endemic species.

World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere ReservesThe World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves was launched in 2009 by UNESCO MAB Programme to foster sustainable development in islands and coastal areas and to promote adaptation and mitigation strategies on climate change.ABOUT